As the Waverly family anxiously awaits the FIRST FROST of the year, a strange man comes to visit in Bascom, NC. Each of the Waverley family members has an usual quirk, something that makes them just a tad different from the rest of the folks in Bascom. Claire has a gift with creating the perfect food, although now she's tired from constantly making candy rather than catering at various local venues. Bay has a gift for knowing exactly where things belong and Evanelle gives people gifts they don't even yet know they need. Sydney is finally settled in with her penchant for giving people the perfect hairstyle needed for their image. However, each of the Waverley women is facing a challenge. Will they pull together as the very foundation of their family is tested?

FIRST FROST is the sequel to one of my all-time favorite books, Garden Spells. I was a little worried that Sarah Addison Allen couldn't possibly craft another story with the Waverley sisters and maintain that same enchantment but thankfully FIRST FROST is just as delightful and engaging as the first book. FIRST FROST can easily be read as a standalone but I can't imagine why anyone wouldn't want to read Garden Spells!

Sarah Addison Allen is known for her whimsical tales of magical realism and FIRST FROST is all that and more. At its heart, FIRST FROST is a story of family that transcends the curveballs thrown by life. I love seeing how time has treated each of the Waverley family members and it's a special treat seeing Bay growing up and maturing. I hope there are future tales in store for us as I want to see just how Bay's storyline turns out.

FIRST FROST is a beautiful tale that charms its way into the reader's heart. The infamous Waverley apple tree is almost a character by itself and I love that we get to see an overview of the generations of Waverleys in FIRST FROST. Sarah Addison Allen is one of my favorite authors and FIRST FROST is yet another imaginative and delightful tale by this gifted author. FIRST FROST is highly recommended!